By Sheri Vettel
Preliminary findings from a study authored by Dr. Emmanuel Bujold found that women who indulged regularly in small amounts of dark chocolate during their pregnancies had improved blood circulation, which may in turn improve placental function.
The reason for the potential benefit is believed to be linked to the flavonol content of the cocoa in chocolate. Flavonols, a type of antioxidant, are lost during the processing of chocolate. Typically the less processed a chocolate is, the higher the flavonol content will be.
While this is certainly wonderful news to my ears as a chocolate lover, there are certain things to keep in mind.
Chocolate also contains caffeine, a stimulant pregnant mothers are encouraged to limit as researchers are not entirely sure of its overall effect on pregnancy. Pregnant women are advised to limit caffeine intake to 200 mg per day from all sources, and dark chocolate counts at approximately 30 mg of caffeine per 1.45 ounces. The darker the chocolate, the higher the caffeine content will be.
In addition, for the best health outcomes, pregnant mamas have several important nutrients to pack into their diets. Pregnancy requires approximately only 300 extra calories per day during the second and third trimesters and the extra calories should be saved for nutrient-dense foods, not an entire box of Valentine chocolates (sorry!).
Overall, it appears that a small delicious square of dark chocolate (ideally >60% cocoa content or more) during pregnancy may provide some health benefits, but will not be advised as a true and tested health recommendation anytime soon.
Editor’s Note: Making a mostly healthy version of dark chocolate at home is quite easy. Check out this tasty recipe from Wellness Mama and another that uses coconut oil from Coconut Mama. Making your own chocolate at home is a great way to get creative with the kids in the kitchen since the chocolate can be poured into molds and you can easily add toppings such as nuts and sprinkles – just right for Valentine’s Day!
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